New Orleans - 6 great reasons to visit
1. History
New Orleans has a rich history. Its sovereignty passed through the hands of the French and Spanish, then escaped the British before being secured by the Yankees (who briefly lost it to Dixie). From being a typical southern city, New Orleans boasts a one-of-a-kind society, where old world aristocracy meets New World grit, and an exuberant culture is evident on every street corner.
2. French Quarter
The heart and soul of the city may be found along the streets of the Vieux Carré, New Orleans oldest and most intriguing neighborhood. Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Preservation Hall, and block after block of iron-cast balconies, brick cottages, and music clubs conspire to make this the city's most visited area.
3. Garden District
In the mid-19th century, New Orleans' American citizens - many newly rich from sugar and cotton - called this area their home. Take a ride on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar or walk through the Lower Garden District to see the innovative work of architects who incorporated wrought irons, columns, Mediterranean pastels, and all manner of eclectic desigh elements into these greek Revival mansions. A well-known writer by her novels about vampires (ex. "Kiss of a Vampire"), Anne Rice, lives in a beautiful mansion in the Garden District.
4. Mardi Gras Carnival
To anyone who loves a good time, New Orleans and Mardi Gras are synonymous. Carnival, the festive season preceding Mardi Gras - literally Fat Tuesday, the last gasp before Lent - culminates in a raucous four-day weekend of costume parties, society balls, and dozens of float-filled parades. The entire city and countless visitors participate in this centuries-old tradition of no holds-barred revelry and masquerade. This year Mardi Gras will take place February 27th.
5. Birthplace of Jazz
Since the invention of ragtime and Dixieland, New Orleans has been America's music hotspot. Natives like Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Fats Domino, and the Neville and the Marsalis brothers made jazz, blues, gospel and R&B happen. Cajun and zydeco music made their national debuts here, too. Today, rhythms spill from clubs at all hours, and Jazz Fest - a 10-day showcase in late April - is almost as popular as Mardi Gras.
6. Unparalleled Cuisine
New Orleans' truly distinct cuisine interweaves two unique cooking traditions: Creole and Cajun. Born of many traditions - classic French, West African, Spanish, Italian, German, Indian - savory Creole dishes include crawfish etouffée and jambalaya. Cajun cooks add fire to the mix with dishes like blackened fish and peppery gumbo soup. Breakfast here means café au lait with chicory and sugary beignets (donuts). The best and most famous place for enjoying coffee and beignets and listening to local jazz concerts is the Café Du Monde, located near Jackson Square.